JN.1 on the Rise: CDC Highlights Sharp Increase in US COVID-19 Cases

New York: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed that the highly contagious JN.1 variant, stemming from the Omicron lineage, is now the predominant Covid-19 strain in the United States, contributing to 62 percent of SAR-CoV-2 cases.

In its latest update on Friday, the CDC estimates a range of 55 percent to 68 percent of cases attributed to the JN.1 variant, marking a significant increase from the prior data released before Christmas, which indicated 39 percent to 50 percent of cases.

The report highlights a notable rise in new Covid-19 hospital admissions, recording nearly 34,800 cases in the past week, signifying a 20.4 percent increase since the previous data update. Additionally, deaths have seen a 12.5 percent surge. Wastewater surveillance data indicates “very high” levels of Covid-19 viral presence in the US.

Despite the concerning statistics, the CDC emphasizes that there is currently no evidence suggesting that JN.1 leads to more severe illness. The agency also reassures that existing vaccines are anticipated to enhance protection against the JN.1 variant.

The JN.1 variant, categorized as a variant of interest (VOI) by the World Health Organization (WHO), has spread to approximately 41 countries since its detection in Luxembourg in August. With similarities to its parent BA.2.86, JN.1 possesses an additional mutation (L455S) in the spike protein, known for its immune-evasion properties.

The CDC’s data underscores a rise in respiratory illnesses accompanied by symptoms like fever and cough, while the sustained growth of the JN.1 variant suggests heightened transmissibility or improved immune system evasion compared to other circulating variants, according to the CDC. JN.1 has been identified in travelers, wastewater, and various regions globally.